Acne is common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles/pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Clogged pores create inflammation, white heads, black heads, pimples, and other types of skin disruptions. Acne affects people of all ages and can lead to a range of physical and psychological effects. The aftermath of acne can be especially difficult for people, as it often leaves scars and discoloration.
By understanding more about acne and scarring, you can start to take steps towards managing the condition and achieve healthier skin and improved confidence. With the right care and treatments, it is possible to reduce acne, as well as reduce the severity of scars and discoloration.
Acne has a variety of presentations:
• Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
• Blackheads (open clogged pores)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at the tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)
It is common for acne to be surrounding by inflammation and redness
The sebaceous glands produce oil (sebum) which normally travels via hair follicles to the skin surface. However, skin cells can plug the follicles, blocking the oil coming from the sebaceous glands. When follicles become plugged, skin bacteria (called Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) begin to grow inside the follicles, causing inflammation. Acne progresses in the following manner:
1. Incomplete blockage of the hair follicle results in blackheads (a semisolid, black plug). 2. Complete blockage of the hair follicle results in whiteheads (a semisolid, white plug). 3. Infection and irritation cause whiteheads to form.
Eventually, the plugged follicle bursts, spilling oil, skin cells, and the bacteria onto the skin surface. In turn, the skin becomes irritated and pimples or lesions begin to develop.
Hormone fluctuations
Certain medications
Excessive oil production
Use of skin care products that are not appropriate for skin type
Bacteria
Certain foods may trigger acne breakouts in some people
Genetic disposition
Inflammation is associated with acne and causes trauma to the skin, which can lead to scarring and discoloration. Scarring can cause an indentation in the skin, or it can cause a raised area. The type of scar depends on what type of damage has been done, and the severity of the scarring can vary greatly. Inflammation associated with acne can also lead to increased pigment/discoloration, most commonly brown or red in color. Prevention and proper treatment of acne is the key component to decreasing the risk of developing scarring and discoloration.
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